MARS Prepares for “Showdown”

The MARS DIRTcar Series returns to the Great American Dirt Track in Jetmore, KS for the 3rd Annual Sunflower State Showdown on July 6 – 7, 2012. John Anderson of Omaha, NE is the Sunflower State Showdown’s Inaugural Champion and Al Purkey of Coffeyville, KS won the 2011 edition.

With April’s unfortunate postponement of the 3rd Annual Showdown, it’s now time to start looking ahead as several of the nation’s top Dirt Late Model drivers will converge on the Great American Dirt Track for the rescheduled date of Saturday July 7th. If the one day $12,000 to win event isn’t enough, Track Owner Patrick Johnson has sweetened the pot by adding a Preview night paying $1,500 to win. Singer / songwriter Mike Benish will keep everyone entertained following the action on Friday with a special show behind the main grandstands. Fireworks are also scheduled each night as the Great American Dirt Track celebrates Independence Day.

There are several drivers pre entered and a pit full of cars is expected. Wendell Wallace, Terry Phillips, John Anderson, Brad Looney, Jesse Stovall, Eric Turner, Tony Jackson Jr., Kyle Berck, Jason Hughes, Tommy Weder Jr., Jason Rauen, Clay Daly and Delbert Smith have all verbalized their plans to attend. Several others are strong possibilities, including a contingent of drivers currently racing on the UMP Summernationals Tour. A more complete list will be posted on GreatAmericanDirtTrack.com in the coming weeks.

Just added to the card for Saturday night’s program will be the 305 Sprint Cars. “We have a very big sprint car fan base,” Johnson said of the fans who typically attend the track. “We wanted to showcase our Late Model race to those fans and also let our Late Model fans see one of the top classes here at the track. We’re going to be paying them $500 to win, and it should just add to the entire event.” IMCA Modifieds will be in action each night as well.

The Great American Dirt Track would like to thank United Wireless, Coors Light, VP Racing Fuel Heartland, Peterson Fluid Systems, Hatfield Racing Engines and RacinDirt.com for their support of this mega event. Visit Great American Dirt Track.com for more information. A live audio broadcast will originate on RacinDirt.com for those unable to attend.